Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ZONED INSULATION GARMENT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Garments configured for cold weather typically use some type of insulation to
provide warmth to the wearer. The insulation is generally uniformly dispersed
over the
garment. However, since different areas of the wearer's body may produce
greater heat than
other areas, especially during athletic activities, this configuration may not
always prove to
be comfortable for the wearer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference
.. to the attached drawings figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary zoned insulation garment in
accordance with aspects herein;
FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the exemplary zoned insulation garment of
FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects herein;
FIG. 3 illustrates the exemplary zoned insulation garment of FIG. 1 in an open
state such that the interior of the garment is shown in accordance with
aspects herein;
FIG. 4 illustrates an additional view of a sleeve portion of the zoned
insulation
garment of FIG. 3 in accordance with aspects herein;
FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a first set of projections
in
accordance with aspects herein;
FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a second set of projections
in
accordance with aspects herein;
FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a third set of projections
in
accordance with aspects herein;
FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along cut line 8A-8A of FIG.
5 in accordance with aspects herein;
FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along cut line 8B-8B of FIG.
7
accordance with aspects herein;
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary pattern of projections in accordance with
aspects herein;
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FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary zoned insulation garment having the
exemplary pattern of projections depicted in FIG. 9 in accordance with aspects
herein; and
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary pattern piece used for an exemplary hood
having zoned insulation in accordance with aspects herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity
herein
to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not
intended to limit the
scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the
claimed or
disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include
different steps or
combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in
conjunction with
other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms "step"
and/or "block"
might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the
terms should
not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various
steps herein
disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly
stated.
At a high level, aspects herein relate to a garment having zoned insulation
features. For example, when the garment is configured as a jacket/coat or
shirt, a higher
degree of insulation may be provided at the front of the garment, the side
areas of the
garment, and/or the sleeves of the garment, while a lesser degree of
insulation may be
provided at the central back area of the garment. This configuration reflects
that the back
area of a wearer is typically a high heat-producing area especially during
exercise, while the
front, sides and/or arms of the wearer may not generate as much heat during
athletic
activities.
In exemplary aspects, the garment may be formed from at least a base
material. In exemplary aspects, zoned insulation features may be provided by
utilizing
different yarn and/or fiber types to form the base material and/or any
projections extending
therefrom as explained below. For instance, an exemplary yarn type may
comprise yarns
having a hollow core that help to trap warmed air. Another exemplary yarn type
may
incorporate a far infra-red (FIR) fiber that emits a wavelength of a
predetermined length that
helps to heat the human body. Yet another exemplary yarn type may comprise
insulating
yarns such as, for example, wool yarns. Yarns such as these may be dropped in
where
needed to create a zoned garment having, for instance, moderate to high
insulation areas (e.g.,
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front. sides, and/or arm portions) where the yarns described above may be
used, and low
insulation areas (e.g., central back area) where the yams may not be used or
are used to a
lesser degree than in the high insulation areas.
Besides using different yam types to achieve zoned insulation, the yarns may
be mechanically manipulated to achieve zoned insulation features. For
instance, some or all
of the yams forming the base material may be mechanically manipulated to
create different
types of projections that extend away from a surface of the base material
(i.e., extend in the z-
direction) such that they face inwardly or toward a body surface of a wearer
when the
garment is worn. In one aspect, the projections may have terminal ends located
opposite the
base material where the terminal ends may come into contact or near contact
with the
wearer's body when the garment is worn. The projections may be arranged in a
tessellation
pattern that maximizes the number of projections per unit area. Spaces may be
formed
between adjacent projections. In exemplary aspects, the surface area of the
projections with
their terminal ends may be greater than the surface area of the spaces that
are formed between
the projections. This configuration helps to maintain heated air produced by
the wearer in
contact with the wearer's body. In other words, the configuration may help to
"trap" heated
air and may reduce opportunities for the heated air to be channeled away from
the wearer' s
body. The garment may be configured such that these projections are positioned
in areas of
the garment where a moderate to high amount of insulation is needed such as
the front and
sides of a shirt or jacket, and/or the sleeves of the shirt or jacket.
In another example, some or all of the yarns forming the base material may be
mechanically manipulated to create projections that extend inwardly away from
the surface of
the base material (i.e., extend in the z-direction) and terminate in one or
more edges. In other
words, the projections do not comprise terminal ends as described above. The
edges may be
interconnected to form a honeycomb lattice of spaces. With respect to this
aspect, the surface
area of the projections may be less than the surface area of the spaces formed
between the
interconnected edges. This "open" configuration increases the chances of air
movement, thus
helping to cool the wearer. Moreover, the stand-off produced by the
projections may help to
reduce the perception of cling when the garment is worn. The projections as
described may
be positioned at areas of the garment where a lower amount of insulation is
needed such as
the central back area of the garment. When worn, this area is positioned
adjacent to the back
of the wearer which is typically a high heat-producing area during athletic
activities.
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Accordingly, aspects herein are directed to a zoned garment comprising at
least
a first garment portion formed from at least a base material having a first
surface and an
opposite second surface, wherein a first plurality of projections extend from
the first surface
of the base material, each of the first plurality of projections having
terminal ends located
.. opposite the base material. The zoned garment further comprises a second
garment portion
formed from at least the base material, wherein a second plurality of
projections extend from
the first surface of the base material, each of the second plurality of
projections having
terminal ends located opposite the base material, wherein the terminal ends of
the each of the
first plurality of projections have a greater surface area than the terminal
ends of the each of
the second plurality of projections.
In another aspect, a zoned garment is provided comprising a first garment
portion foi __ ined from at least a base material having a first surface and
an opposite second
surface, wherein a first plurality of projections extend from the first
surface of the base
material, each of the first plurality of projections having terminal ends
located opposite the
base material. The garment further comprises a second garment portion formed
from at least
the base material, wherein a second plurality of projections extend from the
first surface of the
base material, each of the second plurality of projections having terminal
ends located
opposite the base material, wherein the terminal ends of the each of the first
plurality of
projections have a greater surface area than the terminal ends of the each of
the second
plurality of projections. As well, the zoned garment comprises a third garment
portion formed
from at least the base material, wherein a third plurality of projections
extend from the first
surface of the base material, each of the third plurality of projections
terminating in one or
more edges.
In yet another aspect, a zoned garment is provided comprising a first garment
portion formed from at least a base material having a first surface and an
opposite second
surface, wherein a first plurality of projections extend from the first
surface of the base
material, each of the first plurality of projections having terminal ends
located opposite the
base material. The zoned garment additionally comprises a second garment
portion formed
from at least the base material, wherein a second plurality of projections
extend from the first
surface of the base material, each of the second plurality of projections
terminating in one or
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more interconnected edges, wherein a surface area of the first plurality of
projections with
their respective terminal ends is greater than a surface area of the second
plurality of
projections.
In yet another aspect, there is provided a zoned insulation garment
comprising:
a first garment portion formed from at least a base material having a first
surface and an
opposite second surface, wherein a first plurality of projections extend from
the first surface
of the base material, each of the first plurality of projections having
terminal ends located
opposite the base material; a second garment portion formed from at least the
base material,
wherein a second plurality of projections extend from the first surface of the
base material,
each of the second plurality of projections having terminal ends located
opposite the base
material, wherein the terminal ends of the each of the first plurality of
projections have a
greater surface area than the terminal ends of the each of the second
plurality of projections;
and a third garment portion formed from at least the base material, wherein a
third plurality of
projections extends from the first surface of the base material, each of the
third plurality of
projections terminating in one or more edges, wherein the surface area of the
third plurality of
projections is lower than each of the surface area of the first plurality of
projections and the
surface area of the second plurality of projections.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-14
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As used throughout this disclosure, positional terms such as "anterior,"
"posterior," "lateral," "medial," "superior," "inferior," and the like are to
be given their
common anatomical meaning with respect to a hypothetical wearer wearing the
zoned
insulation garment while standing in anatomical position. Further, as used
throughout this
disclosure, terms such as affixed or secured may comprise releasably affixing
materials
together using, for instance, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buttons,
snaps, releasable
adhesives and the like. These terms may also comprise permanently affixing
materials
together using, for example, bonding, stitching, welding, adhesives, and the
like. Further, the
phrase "configured to cover a [specified body portion] of wearer is to be
construed with
respect to a garment that is appropriately sized for the particular wearer.
Turning now to FIGs. 1 and 2, front and back views respectively of an
exemplary zoned insulation garment 100 are provided in accordance with aspects
herein.
Although shown as a garment for an upper torso of a wearer, it is contemplated
herein that
the garment 100 may be in the form of a garment for a lower torso of a wearer
(e.g., a pant, a
short, a legging, a capri. and the like), or the garment 100 may take the form
of a sock, a hat,
and the like. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated
as being within
the scope herein. Moreover, although the garment 100 in FIGs. 1 and 2 is shown
in the form
of a jacket, it is contemplated herein that the zoned garment 100 may be in
the form of a shirt
(pullover, hoodie, sweatshirt, and the like), a coat, and/or it may comprise a
liner layer
adapted to be worn under an external shell layer or an external shell layer
adapted to be worn
over a liner layer. As well, although not shown, the garment 100 may comprise
an optional
hood portion having zoned insulation features. This aspect will be discussed
with respect to
FIG. 11. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as
being within the
scope herein.
With respect to FIG. 1, the zoned garment 100 comprises at least a front
portion 110 adapted to be positioned adjacent to a front torso area of a
wearer when the
garment 100 is worn, and a first and second sleeve portion 112 and 114 adapted
to be
positioned adjacent to the wearer's arms when the garment 100 is worn. The
garment 100
further comprises side portions 116 configured to be positioned adjacent to
the side areas of
the wearer when the garment 100 is worn. The side portions 116, in one
exemplary aspect,
may extend from an inferior margin of the sleeve portions 112 and 114 to near
or at the
inferior margin of the garment 100. The garment 100 is shown with an optional
releasable
closure mechanism 115 (such as a zipper) that can be used to open and close
the garment 100
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for donning and doffing. When in the form of a shirt, the releasable closure
mechanism 115
may not be utilized.
With respect to FIG. 2, the garment 100 further comprises a back portion 210
adapted to be positioned adjacent to a back torso area of the wearer when the
garment 100 is
worn. In exemplary aspects, the front portion 110, the back portion 210,
and/or the sleeve
portions 112 and 114 may be formed from separate panels that are affixed
together to form
the garment 100. In other aspects, the front portion 110, the back portion
210, and/or the
sleeve portions 112 and 114 may be formed from a seamless construction
utilizing, for
example, a flat knitting process, a circular knitting process, any suitable
weft-knitting process
or warp-knitting process, a weaving process, and the like. Continuing, the
side portions 116
may comprise integral extensions of the front portion 110 and/or the back
portion 210, or the
side portions 116 may comprise separate panels interposed between the front
and back
portions 110 and 210. Any and all aspects and any variation thereof, are
contemplated as
being within aspects hereof.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the zoned garment 100 with the garment 100
in an open state such that the interior of the garment 100 is shown in
accordance with aspects
herein. The garment 100 may comprise a number of different garment portions
with each
garment portion comprising a different insulation feature. Although described
as different
portions, this is not meant to imply that the portions comprise separate panel
pieces (although
this configuration is possible). Instead, it is meant to convey that the
portions may comprise
different functional insulation features.
In exemplary aspects, the garment 100 may comprise a first garment portion
310, where the first garment portion 310 generally forms the front portion 110
of the zoned
garment 100, the side portions 116 of the garment 100, and lateral aspects of
the back portion
210 of the garment 100. The garment 100 may further comprise a second garment
portion
312, where the second garment portion 312 generally forms the first and second
sleeve
portions 112 and 114 of the garment 100. This is better shown in FIG. 4 which
depicts a
close-up view of the interior of the sleeve portion 114. Continuing, the
garment 100 also may
comprise a third garment portion 314 that generally extends along a center
back portion of
the garment 100 from, for instance, a neckline of the garment 100 to an
inferior margin of the
garment 100. Additional garment portions beyond those shown are contemplated
as being
within the scope herein. Further, the locations of the first, second, and
third garments
portions 310, 312, and 314 are exemplary only. For instance, although the
second garment
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portion 312 is described as forming the first and second sleeve portions 112
and 114, it is
contemplated herein that the second garment portion 312 may form just a
portion of the first
and second sleeve portions 112 and 114 or the entirety of the sleeve portions
112 and 114. In
another example, the second garment portion 312 may help to form the front
portion 110
and/or side portions 116 of the garment 100, or the first garment portion 310
may help to
form the first and second sleeve portions 112 and 114. Further, it is
contemplated herein that
some areas of the garment 100 may not comprise functional insulation features.
Any and all
aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects
herein.
Each of the first, second, and third garment portions 310, 312, and 314 may
.. comprise different types of projections that extend inwardly from a surface
plane of the
material used to form at least the interior of the garment 100. As used
throughout this
disclosure, the material used to form at least the interior of the garment 100
may be known as
the base material. The different types of projections will be described below.
FIG. 5, referenced generally by the numeral 500, depicts a close-up
perspective view of projections 510 utilized in, for instance, the first
garment portion 310
taken at the area indicated in FIG. 3 in accordance with aspects herein. In
exemplary aspects,
the projections 510 extend in the z-direction with respect to the surface
plane of the base
material (indicated by the reference numeral 512), and each projection 510 may
terminate in
a terminal end 511 to form a node-like structure. This is better shown in a
cross-sectional
.. view such as that shown in FIG. 8A.
FIG. 8A, referenced generally by the numeral 800 depicts at least a base
material 812 from which a plurality of projections 814 extend. Each projection
814
comprises side portions 818 and a terminal end 820 located opposite the base
material 812.
In exemplary aspects, the side portions 818 may be substantially perpendicular
to the surface
plane of the base material 812 such that the terminal ends 820 of the
projections 814 have a
surface area that is similar to the surface area of the base of the
projections 814. In another
aspect, the side portions 818 may be angled such that the terminal ends 820 of
the projections
814 have a smaller surface area than the surface area of the base of the
projections 814. In
yet another aspect, the side portions 818 may be angled with respect to the
surface plane of
the base material 812 such that the terminal ends 820 of the projections 814
have a greater
surface area than the surface area of the base of the projections 814. Any and
all aspects, and
any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
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Returning to FIG. 5, as shown, the projections 510 may be located adjacent to
each other in a tessellation pattern. Utilizing such a pattern may help to
maximize the
number of projections 510 per unit area of the base material 512. Although
shown as having
a hexagonal shape, it is contemplated herein that the projections 510 may
assume different
shapes such as squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, ovals, diamonds, and
other known
geometric shapes. Continuing, each projection 510 may have an approximate
diameter
(measured from one side of the terminal end 511 to an opposing side of the
terminal end 511)
between, for instance, 15 mm and 50 min, 20 mm and 40 mm, and/or between 25 mm
and 35
mm although diameters above and below these ranges are contemplated herein.
Each
projection 510 may be separated from adjacent projections 510 by a space 513.
The width of
the spaces 513 between adjacent projections 510 may be between, for instance,
3 mm and 15
mm, 4 mm and 13 mm, and/or between 5 mm and 12 mm, although widths above and
below
these ranges are contemplated herein.
In exemplary aspects, the spaces 513 between adjacent projections 510 may
act as hinge points or flexion points allowing, for instance, adjacent
projections 510 to flex
toward one another or away from one another during movement of the garment 100
thereby
increasing the pliability and/or drape of the garment 100. Moreover, the
spaces 513 may act
as conduits for air movement when the garment 100 is worn. In other words, air
may travel
through the spaces 513 thereby providing a degree of ventilation to the first
garment portion
310 and improving wearer comfort. Thus, use of the projections 510 in
combination with the
spaces 513 between the projections 510 help to create a flexible garment that
provides
insulation to the wearer when the garment 100 is worn while still enabling a
degree of
ventilation for improved wearer comfort.
In exemplary aspects, each of the projections 510 may be formed by
mechanically manipulating some or all of the yarns used to form the base
material 512. As
such, the base material 512 and the projections 510 may comprise a unitary
construction from
mechanically manipulated yarns. For example, the base material 512 may be
knitted in a
single jersey pattern, and the projections 510 may comprise French terry
Jacquard loops
knitted using some or all of the yarns used to knit the base material 512.
Other knitting or
weaving processes are contemplated herein to form the projections 510. In
exemplary
aspects, the terminal ends 511 of the projections 510 may be brushed to impart
an increased
softness or warmth to the projections 510. In other words, by brushing the
terminal ends 511
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of the projections 510, the surface area of the projections 510 may be
increased, and the
projections 510 may be better adapted to retain or trap body heat produced by
the wearer.
In exemplary aspects, the yams used to form the base material 512 and the
projections 510 may comprise, for instance, polyester yams, and/or polyester
yams combined
with other yarns such as cotton, wool, spandex, and the like. With respect to
this aspect, the
insulation features provided by the projections 510 may be primarily due to
the size and/or
surface area of the projections, the brushed terminal ends, the density of the
projections, and
the like. The yarns used to form the base material 512 and/or the projections
510 may also
possess moisture-management characteristics (i.e., the ability of a fabric to
move moisture
from one surface to an opposite surface through, for instance, capillary
action, a denier
differential, absorption, and the like). For example, moisture may move from
the wearer's
body surface, through the projections 510, and to the base material 512.
However, as briefly set forth above, special-purpose yarn and/or fiber types
may also be used when forming the base material 512 and the projections 510.
One
exemplary fiber type is a Far Infra-Red (FIR) fiber. FIR fibers are typically
produced by
embedding far infra-red-emitting ceramic micro-particles in polypropylene
fibers. When
utilized in apparel, the ceramic micro-particles absorb body heat produced by
the wearer
(and/or ambient heat in the environment) and emit harmless far infra-red
radiation in the
range of, for instance, 4 to 14 microns in wavelength. The emitted radiation
is absorbed by
the human body where it can produce a thermal or warming effect (via, for
instance, exciting
water molecules present in the human body). The FIR fibers may be combined
with other
fiber types (cotton, polyester, and the like) to produce yams that are
utilized when forming
the base material 512 and/or projections 510. In exemplary aspects, the amount
or percentage
of FIR fibers in the yarns may be adjusted to provide greater or lesser
degrees of warming.
For example, the amount or percentage of FIR fibers in the yarns used to form,
for instance,
the first and second garment portions 310 and 312 may be greater than the
amount or
percentage of FIR fibers in the yarns used to form, for instance, the third
garment portion
314, as the first and second garment portions 310 and 312 are generally
configured to provide
a higher degree of insulation than the third garment portion 314.
Another exemplary yarn type is a hollow core yam. As its name implies, the
yam has a hollow core that is able to trap body heat produced, for instance,
by the wearer. In
exemplary aspects, the hollow core yarns may be combined (e.g., plaited) with
regular yarns
such as polyester yarns, cotton yarns, and the like, and/or insulative yarns
such as, for
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instance, wool yarns. Further, in some aspects, the projections 510 may be
formed using just
the hollow core yarns or a mixture of the hollow core yarns and the regular
yams. Any and
all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the
scope herein.
Similar to the FIR fibers, the amount or percentage of hollow core yarns may
be adjusted to
provide greater or lesser degrees of warming. For example, the percentage of
hollow core
yarns used to form, for instance, the first and second garment portions 310
and 312 may be
greater than the percentage of hollow core yarns used to form, for instance,
the third garment
portion 314 in accordance with aspects herein.
Turning now to FIG. 6, referenced generally by the numeral 600, a close-up
view of projections 610 utilized in the second garment portion 312 is provided
taken at the
area indicated in FIG. 3 in accordance with aspects herein. The projections
610 share similar
features as the projections 510 associated with the first garment portion 310
but are generally
smaller in size. As stated above, the second garment portion 312 may be used
to form the
first and second sleeve portions 112 and 114.
Similar to the projections 510, the projections 610 extend in the z-direction
with respect to the surface plane of the base material (indicated by the
reference numeral
612), and each projection 610 may terminate in a terminal end 611 to form a
node-like
structure. In exemplary aspects, the base material 612 may be the same or
different from the
base material 512. A cross-section of the projections 610 would be similar to
that shown in
FIG. 8A except that the size of the projections 814 would he smaller than that
shown. As
well, the side portions of the projections 610 may be substantially
perpendicular to the
surface plane of the base material 612, or angled with respect to the base
material 612 such
that the surface area of the terminal ends 611 may be the same as, greater
than, or less than
the surface area of the base of the projections 610.
The projections 610 may be arranged in a tessellation pattern and may assume
a hexagonal shape although other shape configurations are contemplated herein
(e.g., square,
rectangle, oval, circle, triangle, and the like). Each projection 610 may have
an approximate
diameter (measured from one side of the terminal end 611 to an opposing side
of the terminal
end 611) between, for instance, 5 mm and 15 mm, 7 mm and 12 mm, and/or between
8 min
and 11 mm, although diameters above and below these values are contemplated
herein. Each
projection 610 may be separated from an adjacent projection 610 by a space 613
The width
of the spaces 613 between adjacent projections 610 may be between, for
instance, 1 mm and
5 mm, 2 mm and 4 mm, and/or around 3 mm, although widths above and below these
values
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are contemplated herein. As seen, because the diameter of the terminal ends
511 of the
projections 510 is greater than the diameter of the terminal ends 611 of the
projections 610,
each terminal end 511 of the projections 510 may have a greater surface area
than each
terminal end 611 of the projections 610.
By using smaller-sized projections 610, a greater number of projections per
unit area may be achieved as compared to the larger-sized projections 510.
This may, in turn,
enable the second garment portion 312 to provide a higher degree of insulation
as compared
to, for instance, the first garment portion 310 in exemplary aspects. Similar
to the spaces 513
discussed with respect to FIG. 5, the spaces 613 may also act as flexion or
hinge points such
.. that adjacent projections 610 may flex toward one another or away from each
other during
movement of the garment 100. Moreover, because the number of projections and
spaces 610
and 613 per unit area of the second garment portion 312 is generally greater
than the number
of projections and spaces 510 and 513 per unit area of the first garment
portion 310 due to the
smaller size of the projections 610, the second garment portion 312 may
exhibit a higher
degree of pliability as compared to, for instance, the first garment portion
310. This may be
useful to increase flexibility in the first and second sleeve portions 112 and
114 as sleeve
portions of a garment typically experience a high degree of flexion,
extension, and
movement. Further, similar to the first garment portion 310, the spaces 613 in
the second
garment portion 312 may act as conduits through which air flows when the
garment is worn,
thereby increasing ventilation and helping to improve wearer comfort.
Similar to the projections 510, each of the projections 610 may be formed by
mechanically manipulating some or all of the yarns used to form the base
material 612. As
such, the base material 612 and the projections 610 may comprise a unitary
construction from
mechanically manipulated yams. For example, the base material 612 may be
knitted in a
single jersey pattern, and the projections 610 may comprise French terry
jacquard loops
knitted using some or all of the yarns used to knit the base material 612.
Other knitting or
weaving processes are contemplated herein to form the projections 610. In
exemplary
aspects, the terminal ends of the projections 610 may be brushed to impart an
increased
softness or warmth to the projections 610. The yarns used to form the
projections 610 may
comprise regular and/or insulative yams (e.g., polyester, cotton, wool, and
like) and/or
special-purpose yarns such as yarns incorporating FIR fibers and/or hollow
core yarns. Any
and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within
the scope herein.
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FIG. 7, referenced generally by the numeral 700, illustrates a close-up view
of
projections 710 utilized in the third garment portion 314 taken at the area
indicated in FIG. 3
in accordance with aspects herein. Unlike the projections 510 and 610 where
the projections
terminate in a terminal end to form a node-like structure, the projections 710
terminate in one
or more edges which are shown generally en face in FIG. 7. Each projection 710
may
comprise a hexagonal shape although other shape configurations are
contemplated herein
such as square, rectangles, triangles, circles, and the like. The edges of the
projections 710
are interconnected to form a honeycomb-like lattice as shown in FIG. 7.
Moreover, each
projection 710 defines a space 712 comprising the base material. Because each
of the
projections 710 comprises a hexagonal shape, the spaces 712 also comprise a
hexagonal
shape.
A cross-sectional view of this configuration is depicted in FIG. 8B,
referenced
generally by the numeral 850, in accordance with aspects herein. FIG. 8B
depicts at least a
base material 852 from which a plurality of projections 856, like the
projections 710, extend.
Each projection 856 terminates in an edge 857. Spaces 858 are formed between
adjacent
projections 856. In exemplary aspects, the projections 856 may extend
substantially
perpendicular to the surface plane of the base material 852, or be angled with
respect to the
surface plane of the base material 852. Any and all aspects, and any variation
thereof, are
contemplated as being within the scope herein.
Returning to FIG. 7, the edges of each projection 710 may have an
approximate width of, for instance, 1 mm to 10 mm, 3 mm to 7 mm, and/or
between 4 mm
and 6mm, although widths above and below these values are contemplated herein.
The
diameter of the spaces 712 as measured from one inner edge of the projection
710 to an
opposing inner edge of the projection 710 may be between, for instance, 5 mm
to 30 mm, 10
mm to 25 mm, 12 mm to 23 mm, and/or between 14 mm and 20 mm In exemplary
aspects,
the surface area of the projections 710 in the third garment portion 314 may
be less than the
surface area of the spaces 712 defined by the projections 710. To describe it
a different way,
because the projections 710 do not have terminal ends like the projections 510
and 610, the
surface area of the projections 710 is generally less than the surface area of
the projections
510 and 610 with respect to a unit area of material.
Similar to the projections 510 and 610, each of the projections 710 may be
formed by mechanically manipulating some or all of the yarns used to form the
base material.
As such, the base material and the projections 710 may comprise a unitary
construction from
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mechanically manipulated yarns. For example, the base material may be knitted
in a single
jersey pattern, and the projections 710 may comprise French terry jacquard
loops knitted
using some or all of the yarns used to knit the base material. Other knitting
or weaving
processes are contemplated herein to form the projections 710. In exemplary
aspects, the
edges of the projections 710 may be brushed to impart an increased softness or
warmth to the
projections 710.
The yarns used to form the projections 710 may comprise regular yarns (e.g.,
polyester, cotton, and like), insulative yarns such as wool, and/or special-
purpose yarns such
as yarns incorporating FIR fibers, and/or hollow core yarns. As detailed
above, since the
third garment portion 314 is generally positioned adjacent to the high heat
producing back
area of the wearer when the garment 100 is worn, in exemplary aspects the
percentage of
yarns incorporating FIR fibers and/or the percentage of hollow core yarns may
be decreased
relative to the percentages used in the first and second garment portions 310
and 312. For
example, the percentage of special-purpose yarns in the third garment portion
314 may be
90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or 0% of the special-purpose
yarns used
in the first and second garment portions 310 and 312. Any and all aspects, and
any variation
thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
In exemplary aspects, the projections 710 may be used to create stand-off
between, for instance, the interior of the garment 100 and the wearer's
central back area when
the garment 100 is worn. As mentioned, the central hack area of a human may
comprise a
high heat-producing area especially during athletic activities. The stand-off
created by the
projections 710 may, in exemplary aspects, help to reduce the perception of
cling in this area.
Further, the stand-off produced by the projections 710 may help to promote the
movement of
air in this area. Air circulation may be enhanced by the greater percentage of
spaces 712 in
this area as compared to the projections 710 (i.e., the air can circulate in
the spaces 712). The
circulating air, in turn, may help to promote evaporative heat transfer and
thus, help to cool
the wearer.
The pattern of projections shown for the first, second, and third garment
portions 310, 312, and 314 is exemplary only and other patterns are
contemplated herein. For
instance, FIG. 9 depicts an alternative tessellation pattern 900 that may be
utilized in
accordance with aspects herein. The tessellation pattern 900 consists of an
alternating pattern
of larger-sized projections 910 transitioning to smaller-sized projections 912
and transitioning
back to larger-sized projections 910 in both a horizontal aspect and a
vertical aspect. Each of
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the projections 910 and 912 comprises side portions that extend in the z-
direction with
respect to the surface plane of the base material and terminal end portions
located opposite
the base material. Details concerning the projections 910, 912, and 914 such
as how they are
created, types of yarns/fibers used, shape, spacing, and the like, are similar
to those set forth
for the projections 510 and 610 and, as such, will not be repeated here.
FIG. 10 depicts an interior view of an exemplary garment 1000 that
incorporates the tessellation pattern 900 depicted in FIG. 9 in accordance
with aspects herein.
Only a portion of the tessellation pattern 900 is shown. The pattern 900, in
exemplary
aspects, may be located generally over the back and side portions of the
garment 1000
although it is contemplated herein that the pattern 900 may be positioned at
other areas of the
garment 1000 such as the sleeve portions, the front portions, and the like. In
exemplary
aspects, the garment 1000 may also incorporate other types of projections such
as the
projections 510, 610, and/or 710. For instance, the garment 1000 may comprise
projections
that are similar to the projections 510 of the garment 100. The projections
may be located at,
for instance, areas of the garment 1000 for which a higher degree of
insulation may be
needed.
Turning now to FIG. 11, an exemplary pattern piece for a hood 1100 is
provided in accordance with aspects herein. The hood 1100 may be used in
association with,
for example, the zoned garment 100 and/or the zoned garment 1000. The area
indicated by
the reference numeral 1110 indicates the portion of the hood 1100 that is
adapted to be
affixed to the neckline of the garment (hereinafter known as the posterior
margin 1110), and
the area indicated by the reference numeral 1112 indicates the anterior
portion or front edge
of the hood 1100 when the hood 1100 is being worn (hereinafter known as the
anterior
margin 1112). Accordingly, the areas indicated by the reference numeral 1114
indicate side
margins of the hood 1100 (hereinafter known as the side margins 1114).
As indicated on the pattern piece for the hood 1100, projections 1116 having a
shape and size configuration generally similar to the projections 510 are
positioned on the
hood 1100 such that they are located generally along the posterior margin
1110, the side
margins 1114, and the anterior margin 1112. And projections 1118 having a
shape and size
configuration generally similar to the projections 610 are positioned at the
interior areas of
the hood 1100. In other words, the projections 1118 may be bounded by the
projections 1116
in exemplary aspects. In exemplary aspects, the density of the projections
1118 per unit area
may be greater than the density of the projections 1116 per unit area. As
such, in exemplary
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aspects, the projections 1118 may be adapted to provide a greater degree of
insulation than
the projections 1116. The configuration of the projections 1116 and 1118 shown
in FIG. 11
is exemplary only, and it is contemplated herein that different configurations
of projections
may be utilized. For instance, the larger-sized projections 1116 may be
positioned at the
interior portions of the hood 1100 and the smaller-sized projections 1118 may
be positioned
along the anterior, posterior and side margins of the hood 1100. Moreover,
projections, such
as the projections 710 may be used in the hood 1100 when lower amounts of
insulation
and/or increased air flow is desired. As well, different patterns such as the
tessellation
pattern 900 may be used in association with the hood 1100. Any and all
aspects, and any
variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.
Returning to FIG. 8A, FIG. 8A is an exemplary cross-sectional view,
referenced generally by the numeral 800, of the material(s) forming, for
instance, the garment
100 and/or the garment 1000 in accordance with aspects herein. As described
earlier, at least
the interior of the garment described herein may be formed of the base
material 812 from
which the projections 814 extend. In exemplary aspects, the base material 812
may comprise
a single knit jersey, and the projections 814 may comprise French terry
Jacquard loops. To
provide more structure, in exemplary aspects, a backer material 810 may be
utilized such that
the backer material 810 is positioned on an external face of the garment when
the garment is
assembled. In exemplary aspects, the backer material 810 may be affixed to the
base material
812 using, for instance, welding, adhesives, thermal bonding, stitching, and
the like. In
aspects, the backer material 810 may be selectively applied to the base
material 812 using for
instance, adhesives applied in a dot pattern, spot welding, and the like to
increase
permeability and/or breathability characteristics of the base material
812/backer material 810
combination. In aspects where the backer material 810 comprises a separate
textile that is
affixed to the base material 812 to from a composite fabric, the backer
material 810 may
comprise, for instance, a double jersey fabric or a spacer mesh. Such
materials may help to
provide structure to the garment while still providing breathability and/or
permeability
features.
In another exemplary aspect, the backer material 810 may be integrally formed
with the base material 812. For instance, the yarns forming the base material
812 may be
mechanically manipulated to further form the backer material 810. In one
exemplary aspect,
the backer material 810 may comprise a drop needle mesh. With respect to this
aspect, the
drop needle mesh may increase air permeability and breathability (i.e., the
ability of a fabric
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to transport moisture vapor from a first surface of the fabric to an opposite
surface of the
fabric) of the garment as opposed to some less permeable or breathable backer
materials. This
may be advantageous in situations where the wearer is participating in
athletic activities and
producing moisture vapor. When the backer material 810 is integrally formed
with the base
material 812, special-purpose yarns such as the hollow-core yarns and/or yarns
incorporating
FIR fibers may be mechanically manipulated to form at least portions of the
backer material
810. This may help to increase the insulative characteristics of the garment.
In exemplary aspects, different functional finishes may be applied to the
backer
material 810. For instance, a durable water repellant may be applied to the
backer material
810 to help make the resulting garment substantially impervious to water. FIG.
8B depicts a
similar configuration as FIG. 8A. For instance, the base material 852, from
which a plurality
of projections 856 extend, is secured to a backer material 854. As such, the
discussion
regarding the backer material 810 of FIG. 8A is equally applicable to the
backer material 854
shown in FIG. 8B.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that aspects herein are well adapted to
attain
all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages
which are
obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that
certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other
features and
subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the
claims. Since many
possible aspects may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is
to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to
be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
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